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Gas supply situation slightly improves, load shedding continues
The gas supply situation has improved to some extent but the country has still been reeling from load shedding.
The official data of state-owned Petrobangla shows that the gas supply has increased by 210 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) to 2,555 MMCFD on Tuesday from 2345 MMCFD on Monday.
Despite Summit’s LNG terminal resuming, gas supply still lags as Bibiyana goes on maintenance
It also shows that there is still a huge gap of about 1000 MMCFD gas between demand and supply of gas for power plants that resulted in the shutdown of a number of gas-fired power plants.
Official sources said the Chevron-operated Bibiyana gas field has returned to its full-scale production capacity of 1200 MMCFD gas. But it was producing 600 MMCFD gas against its full capacity.
Govt to import 3 cargoes of LNG to raise gas supply
“We’re now capable of supplying 1200 MMCFD gas. But the government is not receiving full supply from Bibiyana field. That's why the field was supplying 600 MMCFD gas,” an official of Chevron told UNB.
Petrobangla officials also admitted that they are not receiving full supply from Bibiyana field saying that power plant authorities said they have no further requirement for gas.
The country’s largest gas field Bibiyana went on a three-day scheduled maintenance on April 3 and came back to production on time, said the officials.
Ashulia to be without gas supply for 12 hours on Monday
They said the supply of imported LNG to the national grid also has increased as the country was getting 972 MMCFD gas from two LNG terminals at Maheshkhali against their capacity of 1,100 MMCFD.
Meanwhile, the data from state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) shows that the country was experiencing a huge load shedding due to shortages in supply from generation end.
The data shows that the day peak demand of electricity was 13,000 MW while evening peak demand of electricity was 15,000 MW.
In the daytime, the highest load shedding was recorded at 501 MW at 10 am on Tuesday morning when the country was generating 12,275 MW against demand for 12,800 MW.
Officials fear that the extent of load shedding may increase in the peak evening periods if hot weather conditions remain unchanged.
54,000 join universal pension scheme in eight months
The number of enrollments in the universal pension scheme (UPS) is growing slowly with around 54000 people having joined the scheme in eight months.
Golam Mostofa, member of the National Pension Authority (NPA) and additional secretary of the Ministry of Finance, confirmed this to UNB on Tuesday.
He said around Tk43.62 cores have been deposited in government funds through participation in four schemes.
“Out of which, 598 people have been enrolled under migration scheme ‘Probash’, 11,105 people to the Progoti, 16376 people to the ‘Surakkha’ and 26580 people to the Samata scheme,” he pointed out.
Among these schemes, is 'Probash' for Expatriate Bangladeshi Citizens): Any Bangladeshi citizen working or staying abroad can participate in this scheme by paying the prescribed rate of contribution in foreign currency.
“The way people are participating, very soon that number will go to lakhs. It was slow for a while in between, but now people's interest and participation have increased. Hopefully, this momentum will continue. We are holding a pension fair for the campaign,” Mostofa said.
According to the pension rules, in the universal pension system, the more money is deposited, the more pension will be given at the end of the term.
On the other hand, this initiative will not divert the low-income people either. For those who will deposit Tk500 monthly, there will be another Tk500 subsidy from the government from the beginning. All in all, there is an additional multifold profit for everyone at the end of the specified period.
Despite attractive return scope after the specific tenure, people are enrolling in very slow space due to a lack of trust in the funds returning, said economists and sector insiders.
In this regard, Golam Mustafa said that the NPA is very much conscious of protecting people's deposits. The government cannot take any loan from this fund.
Rather, “We invest in treasury bills and bonds so that the income in the investment in bills and bonds is guaranteed. As a result, there will be no apprehension among people about this fund,” he said.
For the first time in its history, Bangladesh on August 17, 2023, entered the era of a much-hyped uniform pension scheme. The initiative is meant for the entire population of the country aged above 18, who will start enjoying lifetime pension facilities upon turning age at 60 years old.
Economists say that a large portion of the population of the country is still not aware of this financial protection. This is why the NPA wants to make it easier for expatriates to participate. Besides, attractive initiatives are being taken to promote UPS among the people of the country.
Economist Dr. ABM Mirza Azizul Islam told UNB that due to lack of trust among the people and lack of institutional good governance are to blame for this poor response to the pension scheme.
He said people are still not aware of where the pension scheme money will be invested, how it will be profited from here or what will be if there is a loss.
Youths to be involved in fighting climate change: Environment Minister
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Tuesday said the government will involve young people specially women in combating climate change and promoting equitable solutions for the climate victim communities.
“Our youths have a vital role to play in shaping policies and driving initiatives that protect our planet and its people,” he said.
The minister made this remark while delivering Professor Dr. Saleemul Huq Memorial Public Lecture on "Promoting Climate Justice: Roles of Courts and Youth" at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) in Dhaka.
Recognising the potential of young people as powerful agents of change, he called upon the young generation to take an active role in advocating for climate justice and holding leaders accountable.
Saber Hossain said the time for action is now. “We must leverage the passion of our youth to drive meaningful change and secure a just and sustainable future for all,” he said.
He described Bangladesh as a country of solutions, built by its youths. . “Their involvement is essential for a prosperous and resilient future,” he added.
The environment minister put emphasis on the importance of investing in the younger generation. “Topics such as environment, biodiversity, and climate change will be included in textbooks to prepare children for the future,” he said.
Saber Hossain paid tribute to the late renowned climate scientist and advocate for climate justice Professor Dr. Salimul Haque.
Professor at New York University School of Law Dr Cesar Rodriguez –Garavito, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, former Principal Secretary Nojibur Rahman, IU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Tanweer Hasan, Climate Expert Dr Ainun Nishat and BELA Executive Director Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke in the occasion.
Light showers bring little relief
A light rainfall that lashed parts of the capital on Tuesday afternoon brought a little relief to the city dwellers when different parts of the country are reeling under scorching heat.The sky turned gloomy before the rains started at 3 pm, bringing some relief from sweltering heat.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department earlier forecast rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind at one or two places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rangpur and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places.
Heavy rains lash UAE and surrounding nations as the death toll in Oman flooding rises to 18Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and it may continue.
Severe heat wave sweeps Chuadanga, Pabna; rains likely in Dhaka, 7 divisionsDay and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
34 dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs
No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
However, thirty-four patients were hospitalised with viral fever during this period, according to the DGHS.
Of them, five were admitted in Dhaka hospitals, while the rest was outside the capital.
A total of 87 patients are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
So far, 1,839 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024.
Last year, a total of 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record.
The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.
Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.
Labour Law violation case: Dr Yunus’ bail extended till May 23
A Dhaka tribunal on Tuesday extended bail of Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus and three officials of Grameen Telecom, who were sentenced to six months jail in a labour law violation case, till May 23.
Labour Appellate Tribunal Judge MA Awal passed the order when they filed a petition seeking permanent bail in the case.
Dr Yunus sought permanent bail to avoid repeated appearance at the Labour Appellate Tribunal, said his lawyer Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, who filed the petition.
On January 28, the Labour Appellate Tribunal granted bail to Yunus and three others, who had challenged the verdict of labour court in the labour law violation case.
On that day, the Labour Appellate Tribunal stayed the sentence of the labour court. At the same time, the court accepted the appeal for hearing.
Earlier, on January 1, Yunus and three other accused were sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in the case.
Govt to include Smart Bangladesh in mid-term dev plan: Official Document
In a new move the Planning Commission seeks to include the goal of building Smart Bangladesh in the government's Medium Term Development Plan.
At present, initiatives have been taken to formulate the Ninth Five Year Plan (2026-2030) by the General Economic Department (GED) of the Commission, according to an official document procured by UNB this week.
Consider costs and benefits before taking up any new project: PM Hasina tells Planning Commission
It said that the possible development philosophies in the Ninth Five Year Plan will be- Implementation of 'Vision 2041' and construction of 'Smart Bangladesh, successfully addressing the challenges of transition from least developed countries (LDCs), achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Upper Medium income country status by 2031.
The others will be- accelerate growth, strengthen macroeconomic stability, Inflation control, employment generation and poverty alleviation, sustainable use of natural resources and natural disasters and coping with the impact of climate change, ensuring regional balanced development and planned urbanisation, and evelopment of important institutions and establishment of rule of law.
Planning Commission finalises Tk 205,145 cr ADP
In the plan, efforts will be made to implement the promises given in the election manifesto 2024 of Bangladesh Awami League besides incorporating the concept and strategy of building Smart Bangladesh in setting overall and sector-wise development targets, strategies and activities.
These are- keeping prices affordable; ensuring vocational education and employment; Building smart Bangladesh based on modern technology; Increasing efficiency and capacity in the financial sector including banking; making health care affordable for low-income people;Inclusion of all in the universal pension system; integrated farming systems, mechanisation and with a view to profitable agriculture increased investment in processing; and industries and services by leveraging visible infrastructure and increasing investment expanding the sector.
The document mentioned that current Awami League government has adopted a significant number of development plans in the medium and long term as part of the measures taken with the aim of economic development in the last 15 years (2009-2024).
As a result of the adoption and implementation of all these plans, Bangladesh has now been recognised as a role model for development in the world.
The current Awami League government formulated the "First Perspective Plan of Bangladesh (2010-2021)" as a long-term plan to achieve the specific goals of economic and social development of Bangladesh with the aim of "Vision 2021" to continue the overall development and progress of the country, one of the goals of which was To promote Bangladesh to an information technology dependent middle income country by 2021.
The government has adopted and successfully implemented the 6th Five Year Plan (2011-2015) and 7th Five Year Plan (2016-2020) as medium term plans to realise the development vision of “Bangladesh First Vision Plan (2010-2021)”.
As a result, on July 1, 2015, Bangladesh was upgraded from a low-income country to a lower-middle-income country. An average growth of 7.13 percent was achieved during the 7th Five Year Plan period.
The document said that present government formulated an integrated, centenary master plan, 'Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100', taking into consideration agriculture, fisheries, industry, forestry, public health, environment and environment etc., to address the impacts of climate change, food security, better water resource management and sustainable development.
The formulation and approval of this master plan in the continuous development journey will be marked as a milestone in the history of development planning of the country.
The implementation of 'Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100' has already started. Projects are being taken up and implemented by various ministries/departments in respective fields.
The vision of the 'Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100' is: 'Building a safe, climate resilient and prosperous delta'.
The current government has adopted "Realisation of Vision 2041: Vision Plan of Bangladesh 2021-2041" to make Vision 2041 a reality with the aim of building Golden Bangla, the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The plan is based on two main objectives, which are: (a) Bangladesh will be a developed country by 2041, with a per capita income of more than 12,500 US dollars at current prices and fully compatible with the digital world; and (b) Bangladesh will be a golden Bengal, where poverty will be a thing of the distant past.
The document stated that the “Vision 2041 or Vision Plan (2021-2041)” will be implemented through a series of four five-year plans, the first of which “8th Five-Year Plan (July 2020-June 2025)” is currently under implementation.
In preparing this plan, along with the main goals of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fourth industrial revolution, challenges of transition from underdeveloped countries to developing countries have been taken into consideration.
In addition, the 8th Five Year Plan has also recommended some effective strategies to address the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The motto of this plan, formulated with the aim of sustainable development, is 'not leaving anyone behind, but development with everyone'.
The key themes emphasized in the 8th Five Year Plan are accelerated prosperity and maximum employment generation, inclusive growth, increased productivity and poverty reduction.
In this plan, promotion of labour-intensive, export-oriented manufacturing-based growth, diversification of agriculture, dynamism of cottage, small and medium industries, strengthening of modern service sector, increasing export of non-sector services, acceleration of technology-based enterprises and strengthening of foreign employment are particularly important in this plan.
Two arrested over torture of upazila chairman candidate in Natore
Police have arrested two people in a case filed over the abduction and torture of Delwar Hossain, a chairman candidate in the upcoming Singra Upazila Parishad election.
The arrestees are Babu and Sumon. Acting on a tip-off, a police team conducted a drive in different parts of the upazila on Monday night and arrested them.
Natore Superintendent of Police, Tariqul Islam, confirmed the matter.
Earlier, Delwar's brother, Mujibur Rahman, filed the case at Natore Police Station against 20 to 25 unidentified men.
UZ chairman candidate ‘tortured after abduction’ in Natore
According to the victim, Upazila Swechchhasebak League General Secretary Mohan and his associates picked him up on a microbus while he was returning home after submitting the nomination form online on Monday.
Later, they tortured him.
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak's brother-in-law, Lutful Habib Rubel, submitted his candidature for the upazila chairman post.
Farmer dies being attacked by rival group over land dispute in Natore
Meanwhile, Delwar, who was seriously injured, was shifted to the ICU of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital at midnight after his condition became critical.
Mujibnagar Day to be observed tomorrow
The historic Mujibnagar Day will be observed tomorrow, April 17.
Meherpur district administration and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs have completed all preparations for the occasion.
Mujibnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Khairul Islam said, "We have taken elaborate preparations to welcome war heroes, ministers, and visitors from all over the country. Cleaning, painting various murals and installations, and all other preparations have been completed. Uninterrupted electricity, safe drinking water, and adequate temporary toilets have been arranged."
Meherpur Police Superintendent SM Nazmul Haq said, "The district police have undertaken a comprehensive programme to maintain law and order on the occasion of the historic Mujibnagar Day. The main stage of Mujibnagar will be monitored through CCTV cameras at various points. A police control room has been set up to provide immediate security to the visitors. Traffic management has been tightened. We are working to ensure that everyone can celebrate the historic day."
Bangladesh's Mastul Foundation provides daily meals in Gaza amidst crisis
Extensive preparations have also been made by the district Awami League. Meherpur District Awami League President and Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain MP said, "We are ready to celebrate the day with due dignity. For the last few years, we have celebrated the day on a small scale due to the Coronavirus pandemic and Ramadan. But this time we have taken the initiative to celebrate the day in a grand manner."
Farhad will preside over the Mujibnagar Day programme.
The chief guest will be Liberation War Minister Mozammel Haque.
The day's programmes will begin with the hoisting of the national flag at 9 am at the memorial, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
Udichi's Pahela Boishakh programme, statement 'unexpected and unfortunate': State Minister Arafat
After the flag hoisting, Awami League central leaders, ministers, and local leaders will participate in a discussion on the significance of the day at Sheikh Hasina Mancha.
On this day in 1971, the first government of Bangladesh was sworn in at Amrakanon in Baidyanath Tala, Mujibnagar upazila, Meherpur.
Bangladesh's Mastul Foundation provides daily meals in Gaza amidst crisis
As the conflict between Israel and Palestine intensifies, the residents of Gaza are enduring profound hardships. Amidst this escalating humanitarian crisis, international charities, including the Mastul Foundation’s Mastul Mehmankhana (Mega Kitchen) from Bangladesh, are stepping up to deliver crucial aid to those in need.
Currently, approximately 1.5 million people in besieged Gaza face severe food scarcity. The Mastul Foundation has mobilized its Mega Kitchen in Palestine to alleviate this urgent issue. Despite numerous challenges, they are providing daily meals to 200-250 individuals, primarily orphaned children and widows, who are among the most affected.
Dhaka seeks peace, effective steps to de-escalate Iran-Israel tension: Foreign Minister
The gratitude expressed by the Palestinians has been overwhelming, according to a media release from the Foundation. Parents are especially relieved as the efforts ensure their children won't sleep hungry, at least for now, the release added, highlighting the acute worries about dwindling food supplies.
Kazi Reaz Rahman, founder and executive director of Mastul Foundation, emphasized the ongoing nature of their mission. "While our current capacity allows us to prepare 200-250 meals daily, it's barely a drop in the ocean given the scale of the crisis. We are urgently calling for more funds to expand our operations," he stated.
The Foundation's future plans include not only continuing food assistance but also enhancing medical logistics, providing educational opportunities for orphans, empowering widows, and improving sanitation and water facilities.
Bangladesh, Thailand nearing energy cooperation MOU: Nasrul Hamid
Mastul Foundation appealed for support for their initiatives in Gaza during this critical time. More funding and resources are crucial to sustain and expand their humanitarian efforts in the region.